Sahara Abdi Focuses on Children’s Education
On the 16th of March 2024, Sahara Abdi, one of the ambassadors of Muna Kalati second cohort Cohort 2 from Kenya, went to the Kenya National Library services in Gilgil, a town in Nakuru city. Her mission was clear: to share the joy of books with school-going children and spread the culture of reading, aligning with Muna Kalati’s mission
Photo credit: Sahara Abdi
Sahara Abdi had the opportunity to present her book, ‘My brother with the colourful brain‘ a book inspired by her son’s experience with neurodiversity to the children and did a read aloud session, followed by a question-and-answer session.
She had a chance to equally talk to all present about creating a community of readers, a mission she advocates for and implements through her literacy project, the Northern Voice Trust. She shared with the librarian and parents present, the need to purchase children’s books and view it as an investment, akin to the toys we purchase for children to play with, that parents cannot rely solely on schools to provide books and expect their children to grow up as readers. This is a duty they must cultivate and live by.
She hailed the effort of the library and the various programs they run to create a safe space for children to not only read but also discover and develop themselves
To make a difference in our country, it must start from our homes and the one sure way to achieve this is through books. Right from our living rooms, books facilitate bonding sessions for families, and beyond the classroom, they unlock the imagination of children, giving them the opportunity not only to dream but also to bring those dreams to life.
Libraries are havens, but they require collaboration between parents, learners, and stakeholders. Their operation should not solely rely on governments. Let us, as authors, youths, and literacy advocates, take charge and spread the joy of books. Today’s readers are tomorrow’s leaders.
Sahara Abdi
